Greatest Ultralight Tents of 2024, Examined and Reviewed


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Ultralight tents are one of many nice engineering marvels: out of a sheet of wafer-thin cloth and a pair of trekking poles, you may make shelter appropriate to face up to wind, rain, bugs, and extra. Our solely actual grievance about ultralight tents is you can’t simply go to an enormous field showroom and see all of them arrange facet by facet. A few of the greatest on the market are made by smaller cottage firms that merely don’t have that type of attain. In order a part of Out of doors Life’s annual backpacking gear exams, we’re taking one of the best ultralight tents from firms like Durston, TarpTents, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Search Outdoors, and extra out on America’s lengthy trails to see which is able to impress our tester group. For the parameters of this take a look at, we’re defining ultralight as weighing lower than 2 kilos for a one-person tent or 2.5 kilos for a two-person tent.

Bounce to Semi-Freestanding Tents

Bounce to Trekking-Pole Tents

How We Examined the Greatest Ultralight Tents

Choice

Ultralight tents are chosen throughout a variety of producers, from large names like MSR and Mountain {Hardware} to cottage firms like Search Outdoors and Durston. We take a look at a variety of tent types — each freestanding and trekking pole — as a way to get a greater sense of which tents are acceptable for folks of varied sizes and with completely different expertise ranges.

From left to right, the KUIU Summit Star, Seek Outside Cimarron, and Gossamer Gear The One on the third morning of testing along the Oregon Coast Trail.
The KUIU Summit Star and Gossamer Gear The ONE on the third morning of testing alongside the Oregon Coast Path. Ashley Thess

Since this evaluate is by and for folks centered on ultralight backpacking, weight is the most important precedence, adopted by person suggestions and, lastly, value. The place a few of our much less skilled backpackers struggled with setup, we’ll be aware {that a} specific tent could require observe to arrange appropriately. Non-necessary options, like a number of pockets, might be talked about however should not a rating issue. 

Tents are divided into two classes: 

  • Semi-freestanding tents may be put up with out stakes, however might be lacking some actual property on the within. These tents ought to nonetheless be staked down throughout windy circumstances and to assist maximize the utility of the rainfly throughout downpours.
  • Trekking pole tents have to be staked into the bottom as a way to rise up. Some, however not all, gear producers present optionally available poles for people who don’t use trekking poles.

Testers

To check one of the best backpacking tents, OL recruited a testing panel with a variety of expertise ranges, physique sorts, and preferences.

Backpacking backpack testing pic
Seven of the backpacking backpack testers in the beginning of a 4-day trek although the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

Ashley Thess

  • Adam Tycaster — Over 4,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the PCT 2014 and CT 2017. Top: 6-foot-3. 
  • Alex Robinson — OL editor-in-chief; a backcountry large recreation hunter and fair-weather path runner. Top: 6-foot-2.
  • Ashley Thess — OL affiliate gear editor. Over 600 miles of backpacking expertise. Top: 5-foot-7.
  • Diana Helmuth — Creator of Undergo Outdoors (Nationwide Out of doors E-book Award winner). Over 1,500 miles of backpacking expertise. Top: 5-foot-11.
  • Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell — Over 11,000 miles of backpacking expertise together with the PCT 2014, CDT 2016, AZT, 2017, and GET 2017. 5-foot-6.
  • Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster — OL workers author. Over 4,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the PCT 2014 and CT 2017. 5-foot-5.
  • Patrice “Regular” La Vigne — Gear reviewer, Denali information, and creator of Between Every Step. Over 7,000 miles of backpacking expertise, together with the AT 2011 and Te Araroa 2014-2015. 5-foot-5.
  • Sven “Magic” Anderson — 1,350-mile LASH (PCT) 2022. Mountaineering with Parkinson’s illness. 6-foot-2.

Testing

Out of doors Life conducts an annual backpacking gear testing journey that focuses on revolutionary light-weight and ultralight backpacking gear. These testing journeys happen on America’s nationwide scenic trails, together with three nights alongside the northernmost part of the Oregon Coast Path and 4 nights on a stretch of the Pacific Crest Path within the Goat Rocks Wilderness. 

Woman setting up the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus on hard ground
We arrange one of the best ultralight tents on diverse terrain and in several climate circumstances.

Alex Robins

These journeys normally see the testing group masking 10 or extra miles every day, organising camp in environments starting from the alpine to lowland coastal areas to deep forest. Testers obtain a brand new tent for testing every night, which they’re chargeable for organising, sleeping in, taking down, and carrying to the following camp. Small particulars, like a too-small door, a sticky zipper, or troublesome to make use of connection factors can begin to actually leap once you examine this many tents facet by facet in a real-world surroundings. The place potential (and affordable) testers arrange their tents in lower than best circumstances to see how they might fare within the components. 

Scoring

We independently weighed the tents as used within the subject. This is a crucial distinction, as a result of most producers solely present “packaged weight” (every thing that got here with the tent, together with the restore equipment) and “minimal weight” (simply the poles, predominant physique, and rain fly). Some cottage firms, which frequently promote their tents with out the mandatory stakes, don’t present a path weight in any respect. The weights offered beneath extra carefully mirror how ultralight backpackers would use these tents: with stakes, and some guylines. For sure, the weights offered within the report card range from manufacturer-provided weights.

Five people sitting around a table filling out score sheets
Scoring one of the best backpacking tents after 40 miles of mountaineering alongside the Pacific Crest Path.

Adam Tycaster

After taking copious notes within the subject, the testing crew then spends a day filling out scoring sheets for every merchandise within the take a look at. When scoring tents, we arrange every tent once more in order that we might examine and distinction their relative deserves. We additionally talk about and examine with each other, which is useful for understanding how and why experiences with the identical gear can range from individual to individual. Scores are then averaged among the many testers, with the highest scoring tents receiving prime honors. 

  • Ease of arrange: Tents have been arrange by a number of testers, permitting us to evaluate which have been appropriate for amateur ultralighters and which ought to be dealt with solely by skilled backpackers. 
  • Inside residing house: Most backpackers will spend eight or extra hours a day sleeping — that’s a 3rd or extra of your outing on the path. A tent that feels claustrophobic or cramped will make for a worse open air expertise and probably negatively have an effect on your sleep at night time. We assessed the usable house in every tent, noting how the slope of pitch or vestibule dimension modified our expertise.
  • Safety: Testers thought of whether or not the tents they slept in offered ample safety from rain, wind, and condensation. 
  • Worth: The worth of an ultralight tent can range wildly, from a pair hundred {dollars} to upwards of $600 — the costliest ultralight tent we checked out prices effectively over a thousand. We ranked every tent on whether or not the setup, weight, and liveability is merited by the worth level.

Inside Area

A second take a look at we pioneered throughout our evaluate of two-person ultralight tents is OL’s Two Dudes in a Tent. In our expertise, a “two particular person tent” can imply a number of various things. Generally it means it’s an ideal tent for {couples}. Generally it’s simply an additional massive tent for a single particular person. More often than not, it should match two ladies fairly effectively. And typically it should really present sufficient house for 2 common sized males to sleep subsequent to one another with out issues getting awkward. This take a look at consisted of two phases. Within the first, Alex Robinson and Sven “Magic” Anderson — each over 6-foot-2 — bought into every tent and evaluated whether or not or not they might wish to share it whereas backpacking. For these tents that failed this metric (and there have been loads of these), Ashley Thess and Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell examined to see which they might be prepared to share with each other. One be aware on this take a look at is that these outcomes should not at the moment obtainable for the tents coated in OL’s first spherical of backpacking gear testing, which centered on one-person fashions.

two men lying down inside of a tent
Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson and Sven “Magic” Anderson gamely testing out whether or not the Search Outdoors Daylight might, the truth is, match two full-size males.

Diana Helmuth

Lastly, many out of doors gear producers are engaged on eradicating PFAS, a virtually ubiquitous eternally chemical, from their waterproof gear as we strategy the 2025 deadline set by California and New York. I queried producers to see the place they have been on this course of and have included that data beneath within the report card part. Usually, responses have been very encouraging. Producers have already made vital strides in eradicating PFAS from the primary materials of their tents, and are actually engaged on getting it out of the trimmings (zippers is an enormous one which retains developing). Virtually all had plans to be PFAS free by spring of 2025. A number of are already there. 

Learn Subsequent: PFAS Defined: These Without end Chemical compounds Are Being Banned from a Number of Out of doors Merchandise. Now Gear Makers Are Scrambling

Comparability Desk

Under is a side-by-side take a look at the specs most vital to ultralight backpackers (value, dimension, and weight) together with the typical of our testers’ scores. The tent weights right here come from the producers; our measured weights may be present in the important thing options part beneath. Costs are present as of the date this text was final up to date. Tents are organized by pitch fashion and listed within the order during which we suggest them.

Semi-Freestanding Tent Specs & Tester Scores

Tent Worth Marketed Weight Size x Max Width (Min Width) Setup  Inside Area Safety Worth
MSR Freelite 1P: $420
2P: $450
3P: $540
1P: 1 lb, 15 oz
2P: 2 lb, 5 oz
3P: 2 lb, 11 oz
1P: 87” x 33”
2P: 84” x 50”
3P: 84” x 66”
5 3.5 5 4
Zpacks Free Zip 2P: $900
3P: $1000
2P: 1 lb, 15.6 oz*
3P: 2 lbs, 4.2 oz*
2P: 86” x 44”
3P: 86” x 60”
4.8 2.8 3.4 2.4
Mountain Hardwear Nimbus 2P: $420 2P: 2 lb, 4.6 oz 2P: 86” x 52” (42”) 4.7 3 3.7 3.3
Large Agnes Fly Creek 2P: $400 2P: 2 lb, 4oz 2P: 86” x 52” (42”) 4 2.3 3 4.3

Trekking-Pole Tent Specs & Tester Scores

Greatest Ultralight Tents: Semi-Freestanding

Greatest General: MSR Freelite




One-Particular person Mannequin Examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Diana Helmuth and Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 5
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 3.5 
  • Safety: 5
  • Worth: 5
  • Measured Weight of the 1-Particular person Mannequin: 1 pound, 14.5 ounces (half an oz lower than marketed)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

  • Max Head Top: 39 inches (1P & 2P), 43 inches (3P)
  • Doorways: One door (1P), two doorways (2P & 3P)
  • Supplies: Ripstop nylon
  • Guarantee: 3 years
  • Worth: $420 (1P), $450 (2P)

Professionals

  • One of many lightest semi-freestanding tents we examined
  • Size on the 1-person mannequin makes it an inexpensive selection for people as much as six ft tall
  • Simple to arrange 

Cons

  • Much less width than different tents we’ve checked out

In case you’re kitting out your first ultralight setup, that is one to have in your radar. Our tester group was impressed with how straightforward and fast it was to arrange the MSR Freelite — one tester set it up in below two minutes with out having used it earlier than. The inside of the one-person mannequin, whereas not precisely spacious, was massive sufficient for the most important sleeping pad on our take a look at (a full-size rectangular Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir Xlite NXT), with a backpack becoming handily into the vestibule. Testers reported that it felt bigger than it was, which is a crucial element in the event you get caught inside ready out a storm. The mesh and fly have been extraordinarily light-weight and lots sturdy, with the grime falling proper off once we shook it out earlier than stuffing it away for the day. The poles have been even constructed from aluminum, versus splinter-prone carbon fiber. Our solely concern was with that 15D bathtub ground — it could profit from a groundsheet on tougher terrains — however this was strictly theoretical as we didn’t expertise any holes on our testing journey. 

The interior of the MSR Freelite 1 fit a full-size rectangle Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, with our backpack and the rest of our kit stowed in the vestibule. Like with the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL and NEMO Hornet OSMO, we appreciated that this one had multiple storage pockets inside.
The inside of the MSR Freelite 1 match a full-size rectangle Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir, with our backpack and the remainder of our equipment stowed within the vestibule. Diana Helmuth

Whereas some ultralight backpackers choose the burden financial savings of a single-wall tent, the acute condensation of the Oregon Coast confirmed some great benefits of a double-wall setup. Whereas the remainder of our testing crew was fastidiously packing up for the day, avoiding the soaked sides of their single-walled tents lest they unleash a rainstorm on their sleep system, the tester within the MSR Freelite 1 might sit up, bump their head on the mesh on the prime of the tent, and keep dry. 

There are only some small quibbles with this tent. One is the door: It’s on the small facet in comparison with the remainder of our subject, forcing our tallest tester (5 ft, 10 inches) to pretzel her limbs greater than she would have favored when getting out. The included stakes (needle stakes) are additionally decrease high quality in comparison with different choices within the MSR arsenal. Contemplate upgrading to both the light-weight MSR Carbon Cores or the MSR Groundhog Minis, which have nice holding energy. 

Greatest Improve: Zpacks Free Zip

Two-Particular person Mannequin Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, Diana Helmuth, and Sven “Magic” Anderson with extra enter from Ashley Thess



Report Card

  • Ease of Setup: 4.8
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 2.8
  • Safety: 3.4
  • Worth: 2.4
  • Measured Weight of the 2-Particular person Mannequin: 2 lbs, 3.4 oz (3.8 oz heavier than marketed; marketed weight didn’t embody stakes)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

  • Max Head Top: 43 inches (2P & 3P)
  • Doorways: 2 (2P & 3P)
  • Supplies: Dyneema
  • Guarantee: 2 years
  • Worth: $900 (2P), $1000 (3P)

Professionals

  • Very storm worthy
  • Light-weight

Cons

  • No vestibule
  • Tight squeeze for 2 folks
  • Costly

OL Affiliate editor Ashley Thess raved in regards to the tent she used on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and, after our testing crew had the prospect to take a look at the Zpacks Free Zip, we will see why. Like all semi-freestanding ultralight tents, it takes little or no time to set this one up. In contrast to different semi-freestanding ultralight tents, you get a surprisingly bombproof pitch with little or no tweaking. 

zpacks free zip tent against a mountain backdrop
Our testers had a simple time organising the Zpacks Free Zip.

Credit score: Alex Robinson

Unusually for an ultralight tent, there are 4 separate pole sections, all the identical size. Two poles crisscross to type an X on all sides, creating the construction of the tent. All our testers discovered this to be easy and intuitive. Helmuth, who struggled mightily with the Zpacks Plex Solo, rated the Free Zip a 5 for setup; the truth is, it had almost good scores throughout the board. 

In our expertise, whereas it’s potential to arrange the Zpacks Free Zip with out stakes, our testers aren’t recommending it. First off, the stress from the 2 opposing cross-pole sections needs to clamshell the tent, which is annoying. However even when you get inside it and pressure the tent form down along with your physique weight, you’re going to be lacking some ground actual property. The stakes are additionally important if you’re planning to make use of this tent in uncovered or windy circumstances. However as soon as it was correctly staked out, testers have been impressed with its stormworthiness, with one noting that it “felt prefer it might stand up to a hurricane.”

Two men lay down inside the Zpacks Free Zip.
Our two male testers agreed that technically they might sleep within the Free Zip collectively, however famous there could be no house for his or her gear.

Ashley Thess

Whether or not or not you suppose the Free Zip has sufficient inside house is determined by your expectations from an ultralight tent. Zpacks charges the smaller mannequin of this tent as being for one to 2 folks (and the bigger as being for 2 to 3). Our expertise helps this advice. Whereas two medium-sized ladies with ultralight kits have been capable of match into this tent collectively, this one didn’t cross our Two Dudes in a Tent take a look at. One other consideration with this tent is condensation. Like all single-wall tents, it’s liable to gathering moisture on the inside, however when totally zipped up it’s much more susceptible than most: it was one of many few tents on our Goat Rocks Wilderness trek to wrestle with condensation (on the second night time, whereas camped subsequent to a river). The dearth of vestibules makes this an extra problem. 

We tested the Zpacks Free Zip 2P Tent.
The vestibule on the Zpacks Free Zip is basically non-existent.

Ashley Thess

The small dimension of the vestibules are maybe one of the crucial noteworthy options of this tent. Their taut design is a part of what makes them so stormworthy; nonetheless, it additionally implies that you aren’t going to suit way more in there then your footwear. Whether or not that’s a dealbreaker or a non-issue for you’ll depend upon the dimensions of your current equipment. Magic additionally famous that the low entrance to this tent was troublesome to get out and in for him, on account of stiffness from Parkinson’s. 

We are able to’t finish this evaluate with out mentioning the worth. It’s very excessive (actually partly as a result of excessive value of Dyneema and carbon fiber), and sure out of attain for many ultralight backpackers. 

Learn our full evaluate of the Zpacks Free Zip Tent for extra data.

Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL


Two-person mannequin examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “Regular” La Vigne, Adam Tycaster, Ashley Thess with extra enter by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 4.7
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 3
  • Safety: 3.7
  • Worth: 3.3
  • Measured Weight of the 2-Particular person Mannequin: 2 kilos, 3.7 ounces (0.9 ounces lower than marketed)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

  • Max Head Top: 41 inches (2P)
  • Doorways: One door (2P)
  • Supplies: Ripstop nylon
  • Guarantee: Restricted lifetime
  • Worth: $420 (2P)

Professionals

  • One of many lightest non-trekking pole tents we’ve examined
  • Simple to arrange

Cons

  • Entrance entry was not common with testers
  • 2-person mannequin was not massive sufficient for 2 folks

I checked out the one-person model of this tent as a part of my scouting for the second annual OL backpacking gear take a look at and got here away impressed. It arrange quick and was light-weight with a small packed dimension (important once you’re carrying the Palante Desert, one of many greatest ultralight backpacks). It wasn’t essentially the most home-like tent I had ever used, however it felt secure and safe and, to be sincere, I don’t wish to spend time in my tent, anyway.

connection point for the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus tent pole and rainfly loop
The connection level for the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus was easy and efficient.

Alex Robinson

The tester panel for the backpacking gear take a look at used the two-person model of the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus. Let’s begin with the dangerous: for a two particular person tent, they weren’t impressed by the inside house it offered, with a number of testers noting that it felt cramped and they might not wish to share it with a second particular person. Once we ran our Two Dudes in a Tent take a look at on this one, it was the one tent that our two gal testers informed us was too small to make use of. (Tycaster, our tallest tester, did just like the two-person for simply himself.) Testers have been equally nonplussed by the entrance entry door. Whereas it does present some weight financial savings, it cuts the variety of potential vestibules down from two to 1. It additionally implies that you enter the tent on the prime of your sleeping space, which loads of folks discover awkward.

Mountain Hardwear Nimbus set up against a mountain backdrop
Whereas Thess was capable of arrange the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus with out staking it in, she reported that the tent didn’t have structural integrity she wanted for windy, uncovered circumstances.

Alex Robinson

However testers did admire how straightforward it was to arrange and take this down (no directions wanted for this group), particularly in comparison with the trekking pole and different non-freestanding tents we checked out. Regular talked about that, when attaching the rainfly to the primary physique, “the hooks have been so small, they have been a little bit troublesome to safe with out effort.” Thess reported that the tent, even when totally staked out, flapped round considerably in heavy winds. This one is a greater guess for backpackers prepared to hike a number of miles previous that ridgeline to achieve the security of the timber. 

One attribute of this tent that testers have been torn on was the white cloth. It tended to select up grime simply, but in addition made the tent extra seen in low mild circumstances. 

Large Agnes Fly Creek UL


Two-person mannequin examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson, Adam Tycaster, and Sven “Magic” Anderson

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 4
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 2.3
  • Safety: 3
  • Worth: 4.3
  • Measured Weight of the Two-Particular person Mannequin: 2 kilos, 4.7 ounces (.3 ounces lower than marketed)
  • PFAS free in 2025

Key Options

  • Max Head Top: 42 inches (2P)
  • Doorways: One door (2P)
  • Supplies: Ripstop nylon
  • Guarantee: Restricted lifetime
  • Worth: $400 (2P)

Professionals

  • Inexpensive than different tents on this listing

Cons

  • Heavier than different tents we checked out (though nonetheless very light-weight)
  • Entrance entry may be extra awkward to get into

The Large Agnes Fly Creek is an analogous design to the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus, and testers’ suggestions on this tent mirrored as such. The front-end entry was irritating, however setup and takedown was straightforward sufficient. Regardless of the tent coming in at a lower cost level than the Nimbus, testers rated it much less favorably, together with the tester, Tycaster, that used each tents. He and Magic each famous that the vestibule was small and that the inside was oddly claustrophobic with the perimeters tending to sag. “The inside felt like a coffin,” stated Tycaster. Whereas he was our tallest tester, these should not the outcomes you need for a two particular person tent. It’s price noting that, in our Two Dudes in a Tent take a look at, testers reported that two ladies can match into the two-person model simply tremendous.

Greatest Ultralight Tents: Trekking Pole

Greatest General: Gossamer Gear The ONE and The TWO



One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Diana Helmuth and Ashley Thess 

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 4
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 4.5 
  • Safety: 4
  • Worth: 5
  • Measured Weight of the One-Particular person Mannequin: 1 pound, 6.6 ounces (1.4 ounces lower than marketed)
  • PFAS free in 2025

Key Options

Professionals

  • Simple to arrange
  • Moderately priced
  • Good sized inside that felt homey to our testers

Cons

  • Technically a smaller footprint than comparable fashions

The Gossamer Gear The One is the overall package deal. It’s straightforward to arrange, even for first-time trekking-pole tent customers. It’s very mild. It has sufficient head room to maneuver round comfortably within the morning. The vestibule match all our gear with room to spare. It packs up small. It even had an inside stow pocket for odds and ends like eyeglasses. Test. Test. Test. 

Learn Subsequent: The Greatest Trekking Poles

However that is the true purpose it gained the highest slot: The Gossamer Gear The One, greater than another tent in our take a look at, simply had that je ne sais quoi that we search for in our dwelling on the path. Our testers needed to be on this tent on the finish of the day and have been pleased to get up in it within the morning — even our tallest tester at 5 ft, 10 inches. There was extra wrangling to be the following tester for this tent than of another we checked out.

Packing up after the first night of the OL backpacking gear test trip.
Packing up after the primary night time of the OL backpacking gear take a look at on the Oregon Coast Path. Patrice La Vigne

Each testers who took this tent out reported that they have been ready to determine easy methods to arrange the tent with out instructions (one thing that was decidedly not true for all of the trekking-pole tents in our take a look at). Nevertheless, they each famous the shortage of instructions offered within the package deal — think about downloading these to your smartphone earlier than heading out into the sphere.

The double trekking pole set up of the Gossamer Gear The One made for a substantial amount of headspace, which was handy on our condensation-heavy testing trip.
The double trekking pole arrange of the Gossamer Gear The One made for a considerable quantity of headspace, which was useful on our condensation-heavy testing journey. Ashley Thess

The one draw back to this tent is that it requires two trekking poles to arrange, making it much less weight-conscious for backpackers who solely carry one for difficult stream crossings or steep talus. 

Greatest Worth: Durston X-Mid



One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell with enter by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster and Patrice “Regular” La Vigne

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 4
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 3.5 
  • Safety: 4
  • Worth: 5
  • Measured Weight of the One-Particular person Mannequin: 2 kilos, 1 ounce (2.2 ounces heavier than marketed)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

  • Max Head Top: 46 inches (2P)
  • Doorways: Two doorways (1P & 2P)
  • Supplies: Polyester
  • Guarantee: Two years
  • Worth: $234 (1P), $270 (2P)
  • Additionally obtainable as a one-pound DCF tent
  • Optionally available carbon fiber poles obtainable (6.2 ounces for a pair)

Professionals

  • Glorious geometry makes for a secure arrange
  • Most vestibule house of something we checked out
  • Very affordably priced

Cons

  • Not as mild as another ultralight tents in our take a look at (DCF model is way more costly)
  • You’ll wish to seize some completely different stakes (included choices weren’t one of the best)

When arrange appropriately, the Durston X-Mid 1 had a few of the greatest geometry of any tent our testers had ever tried. It’s totally taut and safe in opposition to wind and rain, not sagging within the slightest when critical moisture units in. Even when it wasn’t arrange completely (a unfastened stake popped on my first night time on this tent), it was shockingly secure: I didn’t even discover till morning.

The Durston X-Mid 1 punched above its weight for livability thanks to the steep walls, double-vestibule, double-door design.
The Durston X-Mid 1 punched above its weight for livability because of the steep partitions, double-vestibule, double-door design. Jac Mitchell

Regardless that the rainfly was soaked from the unrelenting condensation of the Oregon Coast, I used to be utterly dry on this tent, because of its double-wall setup. What makes the Durston X-Mid 1’s double-wall design particularly distinctive is that it was designed to be pitched fly first — no extra groundsheet required. Our testers additionally seen that the pitch had steeper partitions than was typical, which maximizes livability — even when it doesn’t technically offer you extra ground house. 

Jac “Top Shelf” Mitchell, our most experienced tester, said that this tent was as easy to set up as a freestanding tent.
Prime Shelf, our most skilled tester, stated that this tent was as straightforward to arrange as a freestanding tent. Patrice La Vigne

The Durston X-Mid 1 even had two doorways and two vestibules, distinctive amongst one-person tents to our data. Regardless that it’s an analogous weight to the opposite double-wall ultralight tents we checked out, the Durston X-Mid 1 is (on the time of this evaluate) about $200 cheaper. Hiker trash: This one is a no brainer. 

A small detail that can make a big difference: The provided stakes for the Durston X-Mid 1 were not as high quality as we would have liked. Plan to spend a little extra money on some MSR Groundhog Minis.
A small element that may make an enormous distinction: The offered stakes for the Durston X-Mid 1 weren’t as prime quality as we’d have favored. Plan to spend a little bit more money on some MSR Groundhog Minis. Laura Lancaster

So what’s mistaken with this tent? To begin: It’s not your lightest choice. For a similar weight because the Durston X-Mid 1, you might get a totally freestanding tent. (Durston does supply a 1-pound model of this tent in DCF, however the value level for that’s up there with a few of the pricier ultralight tents.) Its setup additionally proved difficult for testers accustomed to freestanding tents. If that is your first trekking pole tent, give your self a while and house to mess around with perfecting the setup. 

Learn Subsequent: Greatest Tent Stakes

Lastly, you bear in mind I discussed a stake popped out the primary night time we used this tent? That stake had bent whereas being pushed into fairly smooth floor. I’d plan to switch them with among the best tent stakes, with an eye fixed towards MSR Groundhog minis or Large Agnes Grime Daggers. 

Learn our full evaluate, Durston X-Mid 1 Overview: A Newbie-Pleasant Ultralight Shelter.

Lightest: Gossamer Gear Whisper

Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Diana Helmuth, Ashley Thess, and Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, with enter from Patrice “Regular” La Vigne


Report Card

  • Ease of Setup: 3.6
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 3
  • Safety: 2.6
  • Worth: 2.6
  • Measured Weight: 10.1 ounces (.1 ounce greater than marketed) 
  • PFAS free

Key Options

Professionals

  • Ridiculously light-weight
  • Shocking inside house
  • Dialog starter

Cons

  • No devoted ground
  • Tougher setup than others on this listing
  • Comparative lack of privateness

The Gossamer Gear Whisper was one of the crucial impossible-looking tents our testing group had ever seen. At its core, this tent is one thing like a cross between a tarp and a single-wall trekking pole tent. It has the weight-savings of the previous, however the setup is nearer to the latter. Gossamer Gear co-founder Glen Van Peski designed the Whisper for a selected journey he was headed out on, and solely 500 have been launched as an preliminary restricted run — maybe, at first look, it didn’t seem to be a tent with widespread attraction. Nevertheless it flew off the cabinets, and Gossamer Gear ended up making it a everlasting a part of their choices. 

Gossamer Gear Whisper interior
Regular units up her sleeping space on prime of the polycro sheet that can be utilized because the “ground” of the Gossamer Gear Whisper.

Alex Robin

After sharing this tent with our testing crew, I can see why it has such attraction for a sure subset of ultralight backpackers. There have at all times been a pair limitations to the tarp setup. The primary is that you may be the entree on the buffet for any mosquitoes round. The Whisper solves this properly by having a mesh skirt alongside the underside of the tent. The second is that, for one thing seemingly so easy wanting, tarps are difficult and time-consuming to arrange. And that’s the place the Gossamer Gear Whisper actually shines. After I learn Glen’s stream-of-consciousness instructions on the Gossamer Gear web site below the FAQ (which I positively suggest), it took me lower than 10 minutes to arrange on my first try. The fundamental concept is to start out on the foot, staking out across the shorter trekking pole, after which pull it taut as you stake every successive loop in till you get to the facet with the taller trekking pole. I think about with a little bit of observe, I might get this tent up about as shortly as another trekking pole tent. 

GG Whisper staked at the foot
Begin on the foot of the tent when organising the Gossamer Gear Whisper.

Alex Robinson

Different testers had equally optimistic experiences with the setup. Skilled thru-hiker Prime Shelf referred to as it a “fast, straightforward, and self-explanatory,” noting that the DCF makes it simpler to create a taut silhouette than you’d get with silnylon. Diana and Ashley additionally each bought the tent up with out an excessive amount of hassle after I offered a recap of the really helpful technique. 

Testers’ emotions about really sleeping on this tent diverse dramatically. “It looks like my first tent,” stated Prime Shelf. “Simply sufficient of what you want and nothing you don’t.” Ashley didn’t have related heat fuzzies, stating that she wouldn’t belief this tent in any type of climate. And Diana opted to forgo sleeping in it in any respect, swapping with Regular on the third night time of our take a look at. That turned out to be the windiest night time, with a number of testers arrange in additional uncovered areas reporting their tent construction being compromised. So it was notable that Regular, arrange with some tree safety, got here away impressed with the structural integrity of this tent, giving it a 4, the very best score of our testers.

“I felt the wind blowing in via the mesh backside half, however I wouldn’t have recognized it was windy (possibly 10 mph) as a result of the remainder of the tent physique was as tight as a trampoline,” she stated. “You can bounce a penny off it.”

After I examined this tent on the ultimate night time of our journey, I had the prospect to expertise this firsthand. The tent seemed prefer it was standing up with pixie mud, which didn’t make me really feel as safe within it as I needed. However the precise construction was so inflexible and taut that irrespective of what number of occasions I knocked into the middle pole, it didn’t transfer in any respect. 

Gossamer Gear doesn’t opine on how many individuals this tent will match, however our take is that, whereas it simply barely match our two gal testers, it’s actually a roomy match for one. Whereas there’s technically house on each side of the middle pole for 2 sleeping pads, the logistics of cramming in any additional gear or, heaven forbid, the particular person on the far facet needing to make use of the restroom in the midst of the night time, makes this a no-go. 

two people in the GG Whisper
The Dyneema shell of the Gossamer Gear Whisper was unusually see-through, even for an ultralight tent, however surprisingly stormworthy.

Diana Helmut

Greater than another tent on this listing, belief your intestine on this one. In case you’re an outdated hand at trekking pole tents or tarp-curious, this might be simply what it is advisable actually drive that base weight down. But when the concept of forgoing a ground and having the underside 4 inches of your tent be nothing however mesh provides you pause, then go together with one other decide on this listing. 

Greatest for Tall Individuals: Tarptent ProTrail


Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 2
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 2.5 
  • Safety: 3
  • Worth: 4
  • Measured Weight: 1 pound, 8.2 ounces (.2 ounces heavier than marketed)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

Professionals

  • Usable size makes this an ideal choice for taller people
  • May match two folks in a pinch
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Tends to sag within the center in condensation-prone circumstances
  • People with a shorter wingspan will wrestle with setup

Loads of folks over 6 ft tall gained’t even take a look at a one-person ultralight tent. In spite of everything, the best approach for producers to save lots of weight and shield your UL bonafides is to easily make your tent smaller than the competitors. And, to be sincere, our all-women testing crew, which topped out at 5 foot 10, was principally tremendous with that. However there was one ultralight tent we tried that was clearly constructed with an over six-foot particular person in thoughts: the Tarptent ProtTrail.

Our tester did not love the head-in entry of the Tarptent Protrail, but the three and a half feet of height should make it doable for most individuals.
Our tester didn’t love the head-in entry of the Tarptent ProTrail, however the three and a half ft of peak ought to make it doable for most people. Laura Lancaster

Whereas loads of different ultralight tents declare an analogous 84-inch size, few even have that a lot usable house, as a result of taper of the partitions. Not so within the Tarptent ProTrail, which has totally vertical sides on the prime and the underside of the tent. We expect that anybody as much as six foot 4 could be comfy mendacity down inside this tent. 

Sadly, getting in is a special story. The Tarptent Protrail has head-in entry, which most testers discovered to be considerably uncomfortable and awkward to make use of, particularly once they have been drained after an extended day of mountaineering. 

The tarptent sits in a forest.
The Tarptent ProTrail sagged with condensation greater than another tent we checked out. Laura Lancaster

The 2 trekking poles used within the setup of the Tarptent ProTrail have been separated lengthwise, 84 inches from each other. That lengthy profile, with none extra assist or construction within the heart, meant that it sagged extra from the condensation than anything we checked out. We’d even have considerations about this tent in critical wind circumstances if it was angled incorrectly or if wind was coming from a number of instructions. 

One of our testers found she had better luck setting up the Tarptent Protrail front-to-back rather than back-to-front to compensate for the limitations of a shorter wingspan.
Certainly one of our testers discovered she had higher luck organising the Tarptent ProTrail front-to-back quite than back-to-front to compensate for the restrictions of a shorter wingspan. Laura Lancaster

It’s price noting that shorter folks will wrestle to arrange this tent, as considered one of our testers found on the ultimate night time of our journey alongside the Oregon Coast Path. That’s as a result of the entrance trekking pole have to be held upright concurrently you stake out the far door: the wingspan of a shorter particular person simply can’t attain that far. 


Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 2
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 2 
  • Safety: 3
  • Worth: 3
  • Measured Weight of the 1-Particular person Mannequin: 15.9 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

Professionals

  • By far the lightest tent in our take a look at
  • Single pole arrange

Cons

  • Costly
  • Expertise wanted to attain the right pitch
  • Requires a taller trekking pole to pitch correctly

Our testers had extra combined emotions in regards to the Zpacks Plex Solo than anything we checked out. The burden of this tent spectacular; it’s additionally twice the worth of our greatest total decide within the trekking-pole class. The Dyneema shell that helps give this tent its low weight was additionally surprisingly cozy, with our tester noting that it was simply 5 levels hotter inside than out. Nonetheless, if the pitch wasn’t simply so, it felt, within the phrases of 1 tester, like “sleeping within a moist trash bag.” 

The wrong pitch was not for lack of making an attempt. Our tester, who described the offered directions as a few of the greatest we checked out, spent a very long time making an attempt to get this one proper. However then she’d get into the tent and understand one thing wasn’t fairly proper with a number of of the ten stakes. After getting out to regulate the stakes and the guylines, she’d get in once more, and see that now one thing new was mistaken. By morning, she was fairly annoyed, however different members of the testing journey who had used Zpacks earlier than merely nodded sagely. The pitch on these tents is hard to grasp. 

Our initial pitch of the Zpacks Plex Solo was OK, but needed some work.
Our preliminary pitch of the Zpacks Plex Solo was OK, however wanted some work. Laura Lancaster

We additionally had considerations about its storm-readiness. In contrast to different ultralight tents, there isn’t a zipper on the door, simply clips on the corners of the 2 sides that safe to a stake. Which means rain and wind can each push their approach via in the event you haven’t protected your self by another means. Skilled thru-hikers will know if it is a danger they’re prepared to take. In spite of everything, some trails are unlikely to see circumstances that will make this a difficulty, and there’s at all times the choice to prop your backpack up within the door to offer some additional safety. However we predict early-career ultralight backpackers ought to suppose twice earlier than committing to a setup like this. 

One of the biggest issues with incorrectly pitching the Zpacks Solo Plex is that it cuts down on your usable floor space. In the extreme condensation of the Oregon Coast, that meant our tester’s head and sleeping bag were both wet when she woke up in the morning.
One of many largest points with incorrectly pitching the Zpacks Solo Plex is that it cuts down in your usable ground house. Within the excessive condensation of the Oregon Coast, that meant our tester’s head and sleeping bag have been each moist when she awoke within the morning. Out of doors Life

In case you’re new to ultralight tents, particularly in the event you’re new to trekking pole tents, we predict you must shelve this one in the meanwhile and go for a barely heavier mannequin just like the Gossamer Gear THE ONE or Durston X-Mid-1. However in the event you’ve been utilizing ultralight tents for a while, and are able to improve to that elusive sub-10 pound equipment, then this could completely be in your quick listing. 

Second night’s pitch: still not quite right.
Second night time’s pitch: nonetheless not fairly proper. Jac Mitchell

Just like the Six Moons Lunar Solo, this one doesn’t include stakes — you’ll want to purchase these individually. Whereas our first advice is for the MSR Groundhog Minis, that’s going to push you up over the one pound mark. To maintain this below a pound in whole weight (and get all ten stakes — you’ll want them to take full benefit of the inside house), go for the MSR Carbon Core. 

The final be aware is to test your present trekking poles. The most effective pitch is achieved with a pole set to 132 cm in size, however some poles don’t lengthen that far.

Search Outdoors Daylight


Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Alex Robinson, Adam Tycaster, Jac “Prime Shelf” Mitchell, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, and Diana Helmuth

Report Card

  • Ease of Setup: 4
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 4.8
  • Safety: 4.3
  • Worth: 3.8
  • Measured Weight: 2 kilos, 10.1 ounces (3.1 ounces heavier than marketed)
  • PFAS free

Key Options

Professionals

  • Spacious
  • High quality supplies
  • Simple setup (for a trekking pole tent)
  • Made within the USA

Cons

  • Costly
  • Heavy for an ultralight tent
  • The optionally available carbon fiber poles have been heavy (8.4 ounces) and confused testers

The Search Outdoors Daylight was the one non-freestanding tent that was arrange within the uncovered alpine space on our third night time of testing within the Goat Rocks Wilderness (the opposite three trekking-pole tents have been arrange among the many timber). The tester, Prime Shelf, reported that it stayed up tremendous, though there have been some hiccups alongside the best way given the lower than best staking-out scenario. “It felt homey, spacious, and tremendous storm-worthy,” she famous. Robinson, who examined it on the ultimate night time once we have been camped in muggy circumstances close to a pond, reported no condensation. 

Seek Outside Sunlight setup
The Search Outdoors Daylight was one of many simpler trekking pole tents to arrange that we’ve examined.

Alex Robinson

All of the testers for this tent have been effusive of their reward. “Best trekking pole tent to arrange I’ve ever skilled,” stated Helmuth. Whereas the Search Outdoors Daylight is noticeably dearer than the Gossamer Gear The Two, which has an analogous silhouette, there are a number of causes to decide on this model. First off, this tent has unbelievable inside house, by far essentially the most of any two-person tent we checked out. Two massive and tall people will simply match inside this tent with out feeling overcrowded. It’s additionally constructed from 30D nylon, which ought to have an extended lifespan than the Gossamer Gear’s 10D. I additionally appreciated a singular characteristic, the place a sliding toggle on the center edge of every vestibule allowed you to simply entry the zipped mesh door. “So easy and enjoyable,” famous Helmuth. “Why aren’t all tents like this?”

Seek Outside Sunlight door toggle
Our testers raved in regards to the toggle for transferring the rain fly up and down on the Search Outdoors Daylight.

Alex Robinson

One facet of this tent that stymied our testers was the optionally available carbon fiber poles, that are bought as an extra add-on. These got here in 4 separate sections, with no colour coding or different indicators to indicate you the way greatest to assemble them. Virtually everybody finally figured it out, however the consensus was that trekking poles have been a lot simpler to make use of. Whereas the Search Outdoors Daylight is on the heavy facet for an ultralight tent, we predict it’s effectively price your consideration in the event you’ve been contemplating upgrading to a 3-person tent to get extra inside house.

Six Moons Lunar


One-person mannequin examined on the Oregon Coast Path by Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 4
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 3 
  • Safety: 4
  • Worth: 4
  • Measured Weight of the One-Particular person Mannequin: 1 pound, 12.9 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
  • PFAS free in 2025

Key Options

Professionals

  • Simple to arrange
  • Skill to regulate the door guyline from contained in the tent
  • Inexpensive
  • One particular person mannequin wants just one trekking pole 

Cons

  • Low partitions may be claustrophobic

Perhaps you’re like me: You don’t sometimes use trekking poles whereas mountaineering, however you’ve been recognized to toss one into your pack for gnarly river crossings or for additional stability on steep, snowy terrain. However there’s no approach you’d carry two simply to make use of in a trekking pole setup — at that time you would possibly as effectively simply use a freestanding mannequin. 

The Six Moons Lunar Solo was one of many few ultralight tents in our take a look at that used one trekking pole in its design quite than two. The end result was a modified teepee construction that was surprisingly intuitive to arrange. Regardless of having by no means used this tent, I used to be capable of put it up in solely a few minutes with no instructions.

The vent on the Six Moons Lunar Solo would help manage typical condensation levels, but I was not impressed that there were blobs on the tent fabric from the seam sealing.
The vent on the Six Moons Lunar Solo would assist handle typical condensation ranges, however I used to be not impressed that there have been blobs on the tent cloth from the seam sealing. Laura Lancaster

It additionally had a number of particulars I appreciated. The primary was a vent on the highest of the tent. It didn’t assist with the unrelenting fog of the Oregon Coast, however in drier climes it could scale back condensation buildup from exhaling inside your tent. It additionally had a stress adjustment for the rainfly door contained in the tent, a considerate element that I hadn’t seen earlier than. This may mean you can do away with extra slack (sometimes attributable to wind or condensation) within the a part of the tent masking your gear with out having to get out of your tent.

Being able to adjust the guyline of the tent door while still wrapped up in your sleeping bag is a game changer.
With the ability to modify the guyline of the tent door whereas nonetheless wrapped up in your sleeping bag is a recreation changer. Laura Lancaster

Whereas the height peak of this tent is ample, I discovered it troublesome to keep away from bumping my head in opposition to the condensation-soaked tent partitions within the morning. This was partly on account of my web site location: I used to be pitched on barely uneven floor, which made it troublesome to attain the steeply sloped partitions that will have been potential on flat floor. 

Whereas this tent is affordably priced, be aware that the worth doesn’t embody stakes; you’ll have to buy these individually. 

Six Moon Designs Haven


Examined within the Goat Rocks Wilderness by Patrice “Regular” La Vigne, Sven “Magic” Anderson, Laura “Chop Chop” Lancaster, and Diana Helmuth

Report Card 

  • Ease of Setup: 1.8
  • Inside Dwelling Area: 4 
  • Safety: 3.8
  • Worth: 4.3
  • Measured Weight: 2 pound, 10.5 ounces (weight contains stakes; not included in buy value or marketed weight)
  • PFAS free in 2025

Key Options

Professionals

  • Versatile setup
  • Simple to separate the burden between two folks

Cons

  • Time-consuming preliminary setup
  • A bigger stuff stuff sack is required to simplify subsequent setups

The Six Moon Designs Haven has a considerably distinctive setup that maximizes versatility whereas retaining the burden down. Like with the Durston X-Mid, you pitch the rainfly first, after which dangle the shelter beneath it. There are a number of benefits to this design. In dangerous climate, it makes it a bit simpler to maintain the within of the tent dry when taking down the tent. (And, not like single-wall tents, it fares a bit higher in opposition to condensation.) It additionally implies that in the event you don’t count on to come across important bugs, you may merely depart the tent physique dwelling and select to sleep below the tarp alone. 

Six Moon Designs inner tent connected to rainfly
The Six Moon Designs Haven was one of many few double-wall tents that’s pitched fly first.

Alex Robinson

In observe, clipping the mesh tent physique beneath the rainfly is a little bit of a ache. “I’ve at all times hated the entire ‘arrange the rainfly first’ as a result of then it’s a must to yoga pose below the rainfly to attach it to the tent physique,” famous Regular, our first tester. Magic, who’s mountaineering with Parkinson’s, additionally famous that “the setup may be very troublesome,” rating it a 2, his lowest rating throughout our testing journey. Different testers expressed related frustration, particularly with appropriately orienting the bug web to the rainfly physique, which, a minimum of in our model of the tent, was not colour coded. A few of this might need been minimized tester to tester by merely leaving the bug web connected; nonetheless, as a result of the bug web and the rain fly every have their very own devoted stuff sack, there wasn’t a simple method to pack them away collectively. I might suggest that anybody this tent additionally buy a bigger stuff sack to simplify setup in these conditions the place you wish to depart the 2 halves linked.

interior shot of the Six Moon Designs Haven
Loads of house for 2 folks within the Six Moon Designs Haven.

Adam Tycaster

All testers famous that the within of the tent was a lot spacious (this one simply handed our Two Dudes in a Tent take a look at), though two talked about that they wished the tub ground had come up a bit larger. Helmuth additionally famous that the zippered doorways are each on the identical facet of the inside bug web, but the rainfly doorways open on reverse sides, which appeared odd. 

The Remainder of the Subject

The Out of doors Vitals Fortius was a new-to-us trekking pole tent which we had some combined emotions about. Our tester ended up needing to look at a video on easy methods to set it up as a way to crack it (it was considerably much less intuitive than the remainder of the trekking pole tents in our take a look at), and even then the ultimate form seemed odd in comparison with the modern magnificence of different ultralight tents. 

The Outdoor Vitals Fortius surprised us with its low price and roomy interior.
The Out of doors Vitals Fortius stunned us with its low value and roomy inside. Patrice La Vigne

Fortunately, the inside was spacious and the low value coupled with low weight make this tent one to think about.

We struggled with the Kuiu Summit Star, which simply had essentially the most difficult setup. Our most skilled tester spent forty minutes getting the pitch proper on her first try, the longest she stated she had ever spent organising a brand new tent. 

The correct pitch of the Kuiu Summit Star looked amazing, but was a bear to get to.
The right pitch of the Kuiu Summit Star seemed superb, however was a bear to get to. Laura Lancaster

However there have been particulars that stood out: an extremely spacious vestibule (this was successfully the most important one-person ultralight tent we examined by a large margin), nice breathability, lengthy size that can attraction to taller people, an optionally available vestibule ground. This may be the suitable selection for an particularly affected person particular person searching for an ultralight basecamp. And it does look awfully sharp as soon as it’s up. 

The Samaya Opti 1.5 is one which we needed to like. In spite of everything, that is the model that introduced us the Radical1, one of many greatest 4-season tents that weighs lower than a pound and a half. And so they have been taking a special strategy to the trekking pole setup right here (exterior A-frame with a facet entrance, simpler to get out and in), which is at all times enjoyable to mess around with. Properly, mess around we did, however we simply couldn’t get this tent to look proper. We significantly struggled with the guyline on the again of the tent, which when pulled taut really decreases the inside house of the tent. Absolutely an angle exists the place this wouldn’t occur, however we didn’t discover it throughout our take a look at. 

Our testers struggled, and ultimately failed, to get a correct pitch of the Samaya Opti 1.5.
Our testers struggled, and finally failed, to get an accurate pitch of the Samaya Opti 1.5. Ashley Thess

There have been different issues too. The included stakes, the identical as with the Radical1 that labored so effectively in snow, had poor maintain in smooth floor and bent once they hit laborious floor. Adjusting the pitch of the trekking poles alongside the A-frame was additionally difficult, as pulling the guylines alongside the facet taut tended to have an effect on the angle and make the entire setup unstable. And whereas the vestibule was a formidable dimension, the marketed entrance porch choice requires a second set of trekking poles — which you’d solely have in the event you have been sharing this tent with one other particular person. For us, this ultralight tent didn’t hit the mark (particularly at this value level), however we’ll be watching to see what the revolutionary Samaya model comes out with sooner or later. 

Select the Greatest Ultralight Tents

Semi-Freestanding versus Trekking Poles

For the uninitiated, semi-freestanding tents can keep up with simply the poles inserted, no have to stake into the bottom until you wish to maximize your ground house (or rain is within the forecast). Trekking-pole tents, alternatively, have to be staked out as a way to rise up. For years, skilled backpackers would have a tendency towards trekking-pole tents for the burden financial savings. Novice backpackers, alternatively, would gravitate towards the simplicity and safety of a semi-freestanding tent, that are simpler to good the setup of.

In recent times, nonetheless, the distinction in weight and ease of setup between freestanding and non-freestanding tents has began to shrink. Our decide for one of the best semi-freestanding tent, the MSR Freelite, weighed lower than a number of trekking pole designs we checked out, whereas the one trekking pole design of the Six Moons Lunar Solo was almost as straightforward to place up as a typical cross-pole development. 

Trekking Poles

In case you at the moment use trekking poles, then switching to a tent that comes with them into the design generally is a main weight financial savings. (If you don’t, then you definately’ll wish to incorporate the burden of the trekking poles or the substitute tent poles into your calculations earlier than making a closing determination). When selecting an ultralight tent, test that your trekking poles lengthen as much as the really helpful peak — our take a look at of one of the best ultralight tents was paired with our take a look at of the greatest trekking poles, and we have been stunned at how usually the trekking poles we have been utilizing have been too quick for the tents.

Ease of Setup

There may be lots of variation in how straightforward or troublesome ultralight tents are to arrange. Some tents, particularly freestanding tents, are so easy to arrange that you just don’t even want instructions. Others appear to require countless fiddling to attain the perfect setup, particularly the primary few occasions you employ them. In case you repeatedly hike till nightfall or are heading into part of the nation the place snap storms are the norm, selecting a tent the place you may obtain an ideal setup lightning quick is crucial. 

Single versus Double Wall

Most tents are double wall tents, the place the internal mesh physique and outer rainfly are two items separated by an inch or so when arrange appropriately. This helps to stop condensation — the moisture that collects as we exhale in the course of the night time — from getting our gear moist once we brush up in opposition to the tent partitions. Nevertheless, additional materials means additional weight, and ultralight purists sometimes go for single wall tents that emphasize air flow. Nevertheless, as our additional condensation-prone backpacking gear take a look at alongside the Oregon Coast confirmed, typically no quantity of air flow will forestall fast condensation construct up. So that you’ll should resolve which is extra vital: safety from condensation or a decrease weight. 

Vestibule Measurement

For this take a look at, we seemed solely at one particular person tents, which typically lack the inside ground house for greater than one of many greatest backpacking sleeping pads. With these tents, a wholesome dimension vestibule is vital if you’re carrying greater than the naked minimal of drugs. 

Seam Sealing

Seam sealing is crucial to waterproofing the seams of a tent. Not all ultralight tents seam seal their tents routinely — some supply their tents at a lower cost with the understanding that the buyer will seam seal it themselves. If you do not need to seam seal your individual tent, double test whether or not that is offered routinely or as a separate service earlier than buying. 

Stakes

Light-weight stakes with wonderful holding energy are important for non-freestanding tents. Nevertheless, not all ultralight tents include stakes on the level of buy. Others don’t include stakes which are acceptable for difficult terrains or circumstances. I’ve famous within the above opinions the place stakes will should be bought individually and when you must think about swapping out the offered stakes for one of many greatest tent stakes

FAQs

Q: How heavy is an ultralight tent?

Ultralight tents sometimes weigh between 1 and a pair of kilos for a one-person mannequin. A two-person ultralight tent will sometimes weigh a few pound greater than their single particular person counterparts. 

Q: What materials is used for ultralight tents?

Ultralight tents are sometimes constructed from DCF (Dyneema Composite Material), silnylon, or silpolyester. Poles and stakes are typically constructed from light-weight aluminum (look for top of the range poles, like these from DAC) or typically carbon fiber. 

Q: Is a tarp higher than a tent for ultralight backpacking?

In case you’re new to ultralight backpacking, it’s greatest to start out with an ultralight tent. Whereas tarps are a superb ultralight choice, their capacity to deal with sure climate circumstances is proscribed they usually require considerably extra expertise to attain a weather-ready setup. 

Remaining Ideas

There has by no means been a greater time to improve your backpacking tent to an ultralight mannequin. The ingenuity and variety of design and development implies that it’s straightforward to discover a tent that matches your wants, present equipment, and expertise stage. After testing these tents first-hand within the subject, we’re assured that they’ll shave ounces (and even kilos) off your base weight whereas nonetheless offering the standard sleep it is advisable profit from your subsequent out of doors journey.

Semi-Freestanding Tents

Trekking-Pole Tents

 

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